How to Prevent Hertz’s AI Rental Car Damage Scanners from Causing You Issues

      UVeye

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      The recent implementation of AI-powered scanners by rental car company Hertz to inspect vehicles before and after rentals has garnered significant attention. A reader contacted The Drive to share their experience at Hertz’s Atlanta airport location, and similar accounts have surfaced. Common themes include customers renting vehicles, returning them to find a minor imperfection, and facing unexpectedly high charges, often inflated by additional administrative fees.

      Given the frequency of these reports, we thought it would be useful to provide a guide on how to safeguard yourself from such occurrences. Some recommendations are fairly straightforward, but it’s crucial to note that this technology is still emerging and not yet widespread. Hertz and other rental agencies that employ this method may change their application of AI scanning in response to these recent incidents, so this issue is definitely evolving. Here are some strategies we recommend.

      1. Avoid Renting from Locations with Scanners!

      This is a clear tip, but truly the most effective way to steer clear of the issues we've discussed: If possible, simply refrain from renting from locations that utilize these scanners. This may become increasingly challenging, especially with Hertz expanding UVeye equipment to more airport locations. Hertz operates approximately 1,600 stores at airports across the U.S. and aims for 100 of these to adopt AI inspection by the end of 2025. Presently, the locations equipped with this technology include Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Charlotte Douglas, Houston George Bush, Newark Liberty, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Tampa International.

      Ideally, you could call a Hertz airport location and inquire if their facility uses AI scanning. I attempted this with five of the above locations. One location took my message; two hung up as soon as I pressed “2” to reach a local representative; and the other two urged me to leave a message, but their mailboxes were full. Such is the state of customer service in 2025.

      Sixt

      If you're having difficulty getting a confirmation, as I did, you might consider steering clear of Hertz and its subsidiaries Dollar and Thrifty at airports and opting for a different rental agency. Sixt is the only other rental car company in the U.S. that has publicly integrated scanning, although their "Car Gate" system operates differently. Hertz's scanners impose immediate charges for detected damages without human oversight; an agent only intervenes if a customer reports alleged damage via the company’s chatbot. In contrast, Sixt claims its staff reviews all AI-detected damage, and customers aren't charged until an employee has assessed the situation. Here’s a quote from the company’s support center:

      “If new damage is detected, it is meticulously evaluated by our trained personnel to ensure fair and customer-oriented outcomes. A damage claim can only be initiated by SIXT if the damage is distinctly identified as new by a staff member.”

      This approach appears to be more sensible compared to Hertz’s method, though we have yet to hear from any Sixt customers regarding their experiences with Car Gate. If you have, please email the tips address at the end of this article or leave a comment.

      2. Utilize Insurance

      Many people opt for rental vehicle protection offered at the rental desk, but numerous credit cards and auto insurance policies provide this as a benefit. Most individuals think of this insurance as applicable only during accidents, but these policies can also cover costs for minor damages; for example, our reader who was charged $440 for a scratched rim could have submitted a claim to their credit card company to cover that expense, assuming that benefit was accessible to them. I spoke with a representative for one of my credit cards, and they confirmed that incidents such as a cracked windshield fall under collision with objects and are therefore covered.

      However, it's important to note that not all insurance options are the same. Hertz provides its own coverage, which can be pricey on a daily basis. (Moreover, paying a company in advance to cover minor damages, which they might subsequently charge you for, seems counterproductive.) As Consumer Reports explains, many credit card coverage options are “secondary,” meaning they kick in only after utilizing your personal auto policy; they may also lack liability coverage, although such cases fall outside the realm of minor scuffs or dents we are discussing here.

      Ultimately, be sure to check with the coverage provider before you rent, to ensure you understand how they can assist you. A couple of aspects are typically true for credit card policies: To take advantage of them, you must decline the rental company's coverage, pay for the entire rental with that card, and rent a fairly standard vehicle. For my card, luxury vehicles, cargo vans or trucks, “recreational” vehicles like motorcycles, or “antiques” (defined as vehicles over 20 years old or not manufactured in the last decade) aren’t eligible. Good to keep in mind the next time I search for a Honda S2000 on Turo.

      3. Document the Vehicle